Covid-19: Vaccines ‘almost certainly less effective’ against Indian variant – UK expert

LONDON, May 16 (NNN-PTI) — The vaccines being administered to protect against COVID-19 are “almost certainly less effective” against preventing the transmission of the B1.617.2 variant first identified in India, a leading UK scientist who advises the country’s vaccination programme said. Professor Anthony Harnden, from the University of Oxford who…

South Africa considers law to allow women marry more than one husband

The proposed law has been submitted to MPs for consideration PRETORIA, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The South African government has introduced a new green paper on marriages that allows polyandry in the country.Polyandry is an arrangement when one woman is allowed to marry more than one husband.This week, MPs started…

Italy urges EU ‘solidarity’ on migrants

These are some of the 13,000 people who have crossed to Italy ROME, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Italy called for “solidarity” from its European Union partners in managing increasing number of migrants after more than 2,000 people landed on its shores in recent days. Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said there…

Uruguay: Workers announce general strike on June 17

MONTEVIDEO, May 15 (NNN-A-TELESUR) — Uruguay’s Trade Union Confederation (PIT-CNT) announced a 24-hour general strike on June 17 to denounce hunger and inequality and demand better working conditions in the country. The strike will cover all the nation’s sectors except health services, especially health care centers assisting COVID-19 patients and…

US: Panic buying prolongs fuel shortages in southeastern region

WASHINGTON, May 15 (NNN-TELESUR) — Fuel shortages caused by the shutdown of the Colonial pipeline over a ransomware attack last week in the southeastern United States have been exacerbated by panic buying and hoarding. “Long lines, sharp words and pumps gone dry greeted unhappy drivers from the Alabama foothills to…

Colombia crisis: Government ready to negotiate but protests must first stop

BOGOTA, May 15 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The Colombian government of President Iván Duque insisted that the National Unemployment Committee needs to withdraw from the conflicts affecting the country if there is to be any dialogue. “We are ready to sit down to negotiate,” said the government’s High Commissioner for Peace, Miguel…

Peru: Motion to impeach President Sagasti fails forlornly in Parliament

LIMA, May 15 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — An overwhelming majority of Peru’s Parliament voted in plenum against a motion seeking to oust President Francisco Sagasti. The motion had been submitted by Congressman César Gonzales. It was supported by 12 votes and rejected by 86 legislators, while another 19 abstained. The nays considered…

Bolivia suspends train tests to Chile after truckers protests

LA PAZ, May 15 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The tests to reactivate a cargo rail line that connects the Chilean port of Arica (north) with Viacha, Bolivia (southwest), will be suspended, Bolivian authorities announced, after several days of roadblocks by truck drivers against the initiative. “The test is suspended, but we are…

Covid-19: Denmark eases restrictions on tourists

The change applies to countries where the coronavirus situation is not considered to be too serious COPENHAGEN, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Denmark is easing its entry regulations for tourists as of Friday.The previously required valid reason for entry – for example, visiting close relatives or partners – will no longer…

Argentine president holds ‘positive’ talks with IMF chief

ROME, May 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez said he was hoping to renegotiate his country’s debt “as quickly as possible”, after talks with the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Rome. Fernandez told reporters it had been a “very constructive” and “very frank meeting, where we…